Questions to Ask a Chimney and Fireplace Cleaning and Repair Professional

The National Fire Protection Association says that you should have your chimney, fireplaces and vents cleaned and examined once a year. You can benefit from developing an ongoing professional relationship with a chimney services professional or company. Here are some questions to ask as you shop around.

What services do you offer?
In spite of the name, chimney sweeps (or just “sweeps” for short) don’t just clean chimneys. They also clean and inspect gas and fire stoves and heating systems that run on oil and coal. Regular chimney services include flue relining and brick repointing, waterproofing, smoke backup solutions, liner repair and replacing parts such as the damper or cap. Some chimney servicing companies offer hearth masonry repair, fireplace stone veneer remodeling and dryer vent cleaning. Finally, sweeps can recommend such products as gas starter pipes and chimney sweep logs.

Are you certified, and do you belong to the National Chimney Sweep Guild?
It’s a good rule of thumb that if you have to hire someone to perform a service involving fire safety, they should have the right credentials. Ask for certification, and find out whether they belong to the NCSG.

What kind of equipment do you use?
In addition to standard brushes and scrapers, many professionals now insert powerful vacuums into your flue to remove buildup and video technology to inspect for damage.

What precautions do you take to keep my house clean?
Chimney sweeping is dirty work, and a responsible sweep will have a method of keeping soot out of your house.

Once you have your fireplace fully cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep, there are things you can do to keep your stove safe from fire and smoke until your next scheduled maintenance. First, keep the chimney and flue area clear of tree branches. Install a chimney cap to discourage birds from nesting in your pipe. Make sure the area has a good air supply by keeping the damper and doors open when burning your fireplace.

Masonry chimneys should be waterproofed to prevent damage from moisture. The chimney liner should be inspected regularly and relining equipment should be installed when necessary. Regular maintenance should also be done on parts like the chimney flashing, the flue and vents. Sweeping them out with a brush will effectively clean them and a thorough inspection should reveal any damage that needs repairs.

Whether you have a brick or stone fireplace, choose the right fuel for your stove. Gas and log fireplaces work differently and need to be handled precisely. Never put liquid or paper in a gas or log fireplace, since the flames can get out of hand and cause damage. Remove debris after each fire by sweeping the area clean with a brush. Use an insert if you want to spread the heat from the fire into your room safely. Keep furniture and other items away from the hearth, where they can catch on fire. Use a fireplace screen on a wood-burning fireplace to ensure sparks stay where they belong.

Your fireplace is an asset to your home, but it needs to be cared for properly. By following a regular maintenance and repair schedule, you can keep your fireplace safe and functional.